Discovery
Here begins the South! Exceptional natural sites, an architectural heritage steeped in history, top-quality cultural offerings, terroir and characterful traditions… these long-ignored assets make the Drôme Provençale an authentic, unspoilt “Secret Provence”. Follow the guide from Le Bois des Dames!
A thousand years of architectural heritage
A land of history, Drôme Provençale is brimming with jewels of civil and religious architecture, from antiquity to the Great Century! Castles, abbeys, priories and chapels, charming medieval hilltop villages… punctuate the landscape and can be discovered between green hills, vineyards and lavender fields. And, at Le Bois des Dames, you can enjoy this picture postcard view from your window or swimming pool!
Grignan
Just 7 kilometers from the Domaine, discover Grignan, named one of France’s most beautiful villages. The château, the largest Renaissance château in Provence, made famous by Madame De Sévigné, dominates the lavender fields, and the village’s many charming alleyways. In summer, Grignan hosts two cultural events: the Festival de la correspondance, under the aegis of Eric-Emmanuel Schmidt, and the fêtes nocturnes at the château. While Grignan is the most famous, the surrounding area is full of lesser-known but equally charming medieval villages, which you’ll be delighted to discover on every walk.
Culture
A diverse, high-quality cultural offering: In addition to the summer’s must-see cultural events – Festival de la Correspondance and Fêtes nocturnes de Grignan, Soul & Jazz festival in Saint-Paul Trois Châteaux, and the nearby Chorégies d’Orange – museums, exhibitions, galleries, bookshops and recitals will delight arts and culture lovers! You’ll find them all in our calendar of events and useful addresses.
An exceptional terroir: with a Mediterranean yet temperate climate, and a tradition of organic and responsible farming, Drôme provençale offers an exceptional terroir, with many specialties. You’ll discover them in the homes of passionate producers, at traditional Provencal markets and, of course, at the table!
Lavender
In June and July, the landscapes around the Domaine are adorned in a monochrome of bluish mauves, and beyond, following the Lavender Route to the Provencal Baronnies, where the blooming season is a little later. At local producers, you’ll discover the secrets of the distillery, and beautiful, authentic organic products.
But not only that…
From April to June, poppies and broom in bloom on all sides also offer a striking spectacle, while in late summer and autumn, vineyards and deciduous trees blaze in the colors of Indian summer. In every season, nature offers marvellous colors and landscapes.
Olive
Olive trees are another emblem of the region. The Nyons olive, a protected designation of origin (PDO) since 1994, is an exceptional product that makes delicious oils and tapenades! And at Le Bois des Dames, olives can also be enjoyed in the bedroom, with the Olive Bio range of toiletries by Fragonard.
The truffle
Another little-known fact is that the Drôme Provençale is France’s leading truffle-growing region, far ahead of the Périgord! The black Tuber Mélanosporum truffle, “the black diamond of French cuisine”, is in the spotlight in winter, with the tradition of cavage, and the nearby truffle markets of Richerenches and Saint-Paul Trois Châteaux (to be discovered during our dedicated weekends). In summer, the more discreet Tuber Aestivum or summer truffle offers a glimpse of this exceptional product.
The wines
The Rhône Valley and Côtes du Rhône are without doubt one of France’s most beautiful and historic wine regions! From Condrieu, Saint-Joseph and Hermitage in the north, to Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the south, to name but a few of the most famous, wine-lovers here are at the crossroads of the best! More locally, the Grignan-les-Adhémar appellation offers quality wines. The wine route starts here, and there’s plenty of opportunity for tastings and discoveries from the Domaine! Enthusiasts themselves, Arnold and Clotilde are happy to share their good addresses, and propose coups de cœur or grands crus à la carte on Table d’hôtes evenings!
Want to get away from it all? Between Mont-Ventoux, Vercors and the Rhône Valley, discover the best of Provence less than 45 minutes from the Domaine.
To the south: Mont Ventoux, Dentelles de Montmirail, Gigondas, Vaison la Romaine, Orange , Avignon, L’Isle sur la Sorgues, Uzès. West: Gorges de l’Ardèche, Vallon Pont d’Arc, Grotte Chauvet. To the east, Baronnies provençales and Vercors foothills…
